Player Updates

Skoglund received an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for multiple performance-enhancing substances, Emily Waldon of The Athletic reports.

Skoglund was in the running for the team's final rotation spot before testing positive for both Ostarine and Ligandrol, a pair of selective androgen receptor modulators. The southpaw will now miss the entire first half of the season, and his role once he returns remains uncertain. Across 14 appearances with the big club in 2018 (13 starts), Skoglund notched a 5.14 ERA and 6.3 K/9 across 70 innings.

Skoglund (1-6) allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out three across five innings to take the loss Sunday against the Indians.

Skoglund's only earned run came on a solo home run by Francisco Lindor in the third inning, but he was still stuck with the loss. He ended the season on a strong note, allowing only three earned runs across 20.1 September innings. Overall, Skoglund recorded a 5.14 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across 70 innings at the major-league level, though he managed a paltry 49 strikeouts. He'll likely be among the Royals' options competing for a spot in the back of the rotation to begin 2019.

Skoglund allowed one hit and no walks with one strikeout over 2.1 scoreless innings during Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Reds.

Skoglund threw 22 of 32 pitches for strikes before the game went into a rain delay, and the Royals opted to not bring him back to the mound when play resumed. The 25-year-old still lines up to start the season finale against the Indians on Sunday. He has allowed two runs on eight hits over 15.1 innings during September.

Skoglund allowed three hits and struck out two across six scoreless innings during Tuesday's extra-innings loss to the Pirates. He did not issue a walk or factor in the decision.

Skoglund finished at 85 pitches (56 strikes) and likely could have pitched an additional frame under normal circumstances, but he still faces some limitations after coming off the 60-day disabled list in early September. The 25-year-old has allowed two runs and five hits over 11 innings during his two starts since coming off the DL, and currently lines up to start next Tuesday at Cincinnati.

Skoglund allowed two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out three over five innings in Wednesday's loss to the White Sox. He did not factor into the decision.

Skoglund was tagged for a two-run homer off the bat of Jose Rondon with two outs in the fourth inning, but that was the only damage on his ledger. It was just the second outing for the southpaw since returning from the 60-day disabled list last week, and while he hasn't overpowered hitters (4:3 K:BB over seven innings), he's worked to an effective 2.57 ERA in that time -- though his ERA on the year still stands at a bloated 6.19. Next up will be a road start in Pittsburgh on Tuesday.